I want to add a sub w/amp to the factory stereo..

Anyone else do this themselves to their Protege5? Is there a preout on the back of the factory stereo? If so, how do I get back there?

If there's no preout, any suggestions?

I dont know if there is a preout, but if there isn't you could buy or make a thing that taps into the speaker wires and lowers the signal to a low-level signal. Or an amplifier that has speaker level input. This can be made only with a few resistors. The thing should be quite cheap. The only problem is that the signal first gets amplified in the stereo and then lowered to a lowlevel signal and then amplified again. If you have to do it this way the signal will loose a little bit of clarity.

ummm, yeah you can buy the pre amp converter for a little over 20$. But like the other guy said, you're going to lose a lot of quality (but for a simple sub, it may not be that bad. I wouldn't suggest running an amp for your highs off that. Your headunit does not have preamps. My suggestion...spend an extra $200 and get a new headunit. It will be a lot cleaner power for your highs too. To get it out, I have a 626, but I think it's the same. on either end of your cd player, there are little black cover. These pop off to reveals two holes on either end. You need the Mazda/Ford keys. You put them in the holes and simply pull the radio out. I suggest going to a car audio store and asking if you can borrow them. Most places don't sell them. There is a plug on the back and the antenna plug...simply unhook them. Your CD player is out. If you end up using the line level converter, you put it in here. A problem could be created...You're going to have to run two speakers off one line if the converter doesn't have something to allow you to hook up the speaker after it converts it....YEAH. You'll understand if you think about it. haha. Well, let me know if you have anymore questions. I'm an installer if you need help.

i have a p5 and i addes a crossfire amp and a uds sub and had the sterrie shop hook it up it as of right now it sounds great but just for your info is you go real loud on the bass you wont hear the other speakers to well so i recomend adding speakers as well